Treatments

Your guide to fake tanning in winter

10 Aug 2018 9:00 AM |
Posted by

bh's Kate Lancaster

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Unless you’ve been jetting all over Europe like the majority of my Instagram feed, it’s likely you’re stuck in the depths of the Australian winter. And while some of us use this time to let our skin breathe and pare back our beauty routine, others (read: me) insist on rocking a golden winter tan at all times. But tanning in winter comes with a whole new set of guidelines to follow. Namely, you want to look like you just happen to be naturally sunkissed – not like you’ve been baking yourself for three months straight at Scorpios in Mykonos.

Thankfully, tanning in winter can still be pared back compared to your summer glow routine. For one thing, all those winter layers dictate that you can skip a few areas of your body and just focus on the skin that will be on show. But you can also keep it simple and natural-looking by making a few smart product switches during the colder months. Here are our top winter tan tips, accompanied by the best fake tan products to use in winter.

#1 Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate

Winter is a particularly flaky time of year for the skin, with the chill making it extra dry. This can make your tan cling to dry patches on your body, causing those dark marks on your skin that have everybody asking if you accidentally knelt in chocolate – never a good look! Get around it by exfoliating regularly in between tans with high performance body exfoliators.

#2 Switch up your hair removal method

Shaving your pins in winter, especially without a really good shaving lotion, can make your legs even drier than before! Switch to depilatory creams with hydrating properties or at-home IPL devices that will leave your skin feeling smooth and silky, ready for a fresh coat of tan.

#3 Try gradual tan

If you’re looking for a lighter, more subtle tanning option that will allow you to control your level of colour, consider switching to a gradual tan. There are loads of great options that act as daily moisturisers, while sneakily building up your tan over a number of days. So really, it’s the ultimate tan for lazy girls who just want a lovely winter glow without the hassle.

#4 Go temporary

Can’t be bothered with the whole tanning process during the colder months? I totally get and here’s your shortcut – wash-off tan! Wash-off tans are temporary body bronzers that give you a golden faux flow until your next shower. Simply apply and go, then wash off with warm water and you’ll be back to your regular skin tone. Excellent for last minute events or the tan-phobic among us!

#5 Keep it light

The key to a good, natural-looking winter tan is to keep it light. Choose a formula that won’t develop too dark or you’ll risk going a telling shade of orange – not cute! You can now buy tanning products in light to medium shades, as well as tans specially formulated for fair skin tones so you’re guaranteed a natural finish.

#6 Focus on the face

If you only have the patience to get a healthy hue in one area, make it your face. Even the most subtle hint of colour on your face will make you look like you’ve been smashing green smoothies on the daily! There’s now a range of dedicated face tanning products that will have you glowing in as little as five minutes.

I've been telling myself I want to start fake tanning... now that I'm watching anti-aging and supposed to stay out of the sun... but really I am just too lazy. I'm hanging on for dear life to see a future where spray tans are cheaper, more widely accessible and have natural looking results instead. I'm hoping with more skin cancer awareness maybe that can become a thing for people who don't consistently have the time to self-tan.

I keep myself pale all year round as I really can't be bothered with tanning. Part of me wants to try it, but part of me is terrified of turning out orange + with scars on my face due to surgery, I'm unsure if I can really do fake tan anyway. That said I think formulas have come a VERY long way in recent years.

Definitely agree with the tip of keeping the shade light. Great tips. I am often too lazy to tan in winter or shave for that matter. Am always in pants in winter so tanned legs do not go on show much in this season for me.

I'm amazed at how far fake tanners have come - from those in the late '80's that I remember by big sister used (once and never again!) to the fantastic colours and even natural formulas of today's ones.

Being a Chanel lover, their new gradual tanning oil... If there was ever a tanning product I'd put in a concerted effort to try, it's that one! And I do plan on giving it a try. The Chanel, it gets me every time!